Tanglewood pond complete

Tanglewood Pond Project complete

Old maps show a Tanglewood Pond dating back to the 19th century. We were very pleased to have the opportunity to refurbish the pond thanks to the diocesan landowners and the Baker family and also WEIF funding. Although work began some time ago, the project is now complete. It is designed to store water from the slopes of Vinegar Hill in Alconbury Weston until the peak of any flood event has passed. Water pours in from the hill through the two pipes near the digger and out at a controlled rate through a pipe on the right bank. The field in the background has visible undulating ridge and furrow. These have been worn away by an ‘informal’ footpath that crosses the field. Some of the spoil from the pond has been used to reinstate the lost ridges, which also retain rainfall flows. Recently, the pond has been largely bypassed because the field drainage system hasn’t worked well.

The pond and outflows may need to be tweaked during the winter. We also hope to retain additional water further up the hill with a project due to be completed later this year. This work will help to protect the Tanglewood Estate and the White Hart pub.

The excavation was not without hazards since the main aviation fuel pipeline for Stanstead Airport runs a few meters away from the pond!